Solitary

This is a piece I wrote in preparation for a Writing Workshop held by Phillip Mann at Au Contraire 2013 – the National Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention. It’s not long, so I’m posting the whole thing here for anyone who wants to read it. Enjoy!

One of the consequences of being in solitary confinement is that you get to meet a lot of interesting people. It gives the place a sense of community, like the dried blood streaking the walls that seems to spell out names.

There’s Jack, always quick with a gag to lighten the mood. He’s not very funny, but it’s tough material – four stone walls, one slit for light and rain, a daily tray of gruel. The double entendres get stale pretty quickly.

Then there’s philosopher Jacque. He sits mostly, knees hugged to his chest, rocking back and forth, rambling on about spaces between the stars and voices in the walls, always talking talking talking.

The talking really gets to Jake.

Jake’s the nasty one. It was Jake that got us here in the first place, the one who slams his fists into walls, doors, other people. Jake doesn’t like people, he can’t stand jokes, and he hates the talking.

Before long, Jake’s going to kill someone. I can feel it. I don’t know if it’ll be Jack or Jacque, but it’ll be messy. I’m just going to hide over here in the corner, and try to stay out of it.